Chapter 9 Summary and Analysis

Sultana cannot dissuade Abdullah from preparing to leave for Lebanon, and their relationship becomes strained. Abdullah cannot leave because Kareem has locked all his children's passports in a safe. Meanwhile, Amani has made it her duty to try to convert their Hindu and Christian staff into proper Muslims.

Sultana herself becomes withdrawn, and develops the nervous habit of twisting and pulling her hair. Kareem believes Sultana is being overly dramatic in her concern for her children, and so the two bicker constantly. Sultana hears of a disease in which women go bald pulling at their hair and, valuing her beauty, she summons the willpower to stop damaging her hair in this manner. Sister Sara is very sensitive to Sultana's anxiety during this time, and helps to calm her. Sara's own daughter, Nashwa, is sexually suggestive to their drivers and other servants...